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Acoustics in a dome of glass and steel |
 The acoustic challenge posed by the vast open interior of The Pearl was met through specific application of technology and material by Hljod, whose resulting sound design was awarded the prestigious GOLDEN EAR for 1993. Whether vocal or instrumental, Hljods outstanding success affords visitors to The Pearl the best in sound from The Winter Garden to the top of the dome. |
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 Geothermal heat is the most significant resources available to Icelanders, providing inexpensive, reliable, and environmentally safe energy. Although the first attempt to tap this raw power of Mother Nature was made in 1755 by naturalists Eggert Qlafsson and Bjarni Palsson, it has only been technologically practical for the past 60 years. Drilling in Reykjavik first began in 1928, when the deepest hole reached 246 meters. Today about 70 holes provide the capital area with hot water, varying in depth from 500 to 2,000 meters-with one reaching the astonishing depth of 3 kilometers. At 61 meters above sea level, it has long been given that Qskjuhlid would be the site of water storage for greater Reykjavik. This elevation provides adequate pressure to force water up a lO-story high-rise built at 38 meters above sea level-the same elevation as Sk6lavorourholt, site of Hallgrimskirkja, visible throughout the city. |
 The height of the structure is 25.7 metres (84.3 feet). The volume is 20,000 cubic metres (706,300 cubic feet). Total floor space is 3,700 square metres (39,827 square feet). Total floor space of the Winter Garden is 1,000 square metres (10,764 square feet). There are 1,176 window panes. 58 floodlights illuminate the exterior. 105 polelights illuminate the grounds. Fluorescent lights light up the Viewing Deck. 1,900 lights illuminate the interior. 942 bulbs create the "star heaven" inside the dome. 12 km (7.5 miles) of electric cable and 37 km (23 miles) of sound system cable run through the building. |
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Ideas for a grand structure at Oskjuhlid date from 1930 when master artist Johannes Kjarval had dreams for the site: The sides of the temple should be covered with mirrors, So the northern lights can approach the feet of men - the roof should be decorated with crystal of every color and floodlights should be in the eaves to illuminate the whole area. It should answer to the light of day and the symbols of the night. It would be difficult to find a better description for The Pearl, brought to fruition some 60 years later. The Pearl is a magnificent structure. Formally opened to the public on 21 June 1991, it combines utility and vision. Hollow steel framing supports the glass dome and walls that link six aluminum-sided tanks, each of which can contain 4 million liters of water averaging 85°C (185°F). As part of The Pearl's heating system, hot water is pumped through the metal framework in winter, while cold water flows during summer, thereby producing a comfortable year-round environment. The Viewing Deck on Level 4 takes full advantage of the panorama enjoyed from Oskjuhlid; telescopes mounted at each of the six corners of the deck with recorded descriptions in Icelandic, English, Norwegian, German and French. |
 Oskjuhlid is rightly called a natural pearl. More than 176,000 trees have been planted on the hillside, resulting in a woodland setting rare for the city and appreciated by natives and visitors alike. The bicycling and walking paths afford pleasant moments and are much frequented-but one can always find peaceful glades where it is easy to forget the bustle of city life. |
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